The community of Kirkton in Dundee has reacted with horror to reports of the sexual assault of a young girl in the area at the weekend.
Police launched a major inquiry after the 14-year-old said she was indecently assaulted by a man shortly before midnight on Friday.
The wooded area off Craigmore Street, where the attack is said to have taken place, was taped off for examination.
News of the alleged assault spread quickly through the area. Many locals expressed dismay and said the incident made them fear for the safety of their own children.
Joanne Sutherland, who has chaired the Kirkton Tackle Crime Safety Group for the past 16 years, was appalled at the turn of events.
She said the incident was by no means typical of the area.
”I am really vexed and upset for this poor wee girl and I hope she is all right,” she said. “It is dreadful. We have never had anything like this before in Kirkton, to my knowledge. It is definitely a one-off.”
The group she chairs brings together local residents with police officers and community wardens once a month so problems can be discussed.
Mrs Sutherland said: “Kirkton is very low in crime now and the main problem is really just anti-social neighbours. I have been here for 42 years and it is a very family-orientated area.”
She added: “This is really upsetting.”
A police spokesman said inquiries into the incident were continuing.